AECO Guidelines for visitors to the Arctic. ILJA LANG ―Responsible, environmentally-friendly and...

AECO Guidelines for visitors to the Arctic

ILJA LANG

―Responsible, environmentally-friendly and safe tourism

―46 members. 26 of which operate approximately 32 expedition

cruise vessels all over the Arctic (8 - 450 passengers)

Association for Arctic Expedition cruise operators (AECO)

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

ILJA LANG

―To ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic is

carried out with the utmost consideration for the fragile, natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, aswell as the challenging safety hazards at sea and on land.

AECO’s objectives

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Operational guidelines

Visitors guidelines

Wildlife guidelines

Biosecurity guidelines

Site specificguidelines

AECO’s comprehensive guidelines for cruise operators in the Arctic

AECO’sguidelines for visitors to the ArcticNEW animatedbit.ly/1G2btW6

Considerations to prevent disturbance of wildlife

Research-based measures to prevent the introduction of alien species

Site specific guidelines for sites in Svalbard(ongoing work on additional sites/areas)

AECO guidelines

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012

Operational guidelines

Ilja Leo Lang

― Detailed regulations for Arctic operations on environmental and safety considerations, as well as cultural and social interactions

― Operational guidelines are developed and decided by the members

― All members are obliged to comply with these

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012

Operational guidelines

Ilja Leo LangAECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

― Content

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― Safe, considerate andenvironmentally friendly tourism

Take nothing with you – leave nothing behind

Do not pick the plants and flowers

Keep a no-disturbance distance from birds and animals. Avoid noise, keep conversations low and stay away from nesting birds

Leave cultural remains alone

Respect local culture and support local communities

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― A few basic rules

Avoid walking on wet vegetated areas

If possible, do not step on flowers or plant beds

Do not build or alter cairns – they may be signposts

Do not touch dead birds or animals – there has been rabies in Arctic regions

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― During landings

Be sure to always have your life vests on properly

One passenger enters and leaves the boat at a time

Use the sailors grip when embarking and disembarking the boat

Always remain seated Never more than one standing passenger at any time

Secure equipment and belongings to avoid losing items overboard

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― Small boat excursions

Take the polar bear danger seriously

Your guides will carry firearms and other bear deterrents

The guides have been trained in use and handling of firearms

Always follow instructions given by your expedition leader or guide

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― Polar bears

Potentially dangerous

Never approach or attempt to pet or feed arctic dogs without permission and supervision from the dog owner/handler

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― Arctic dogs

Respect local cultures

Respect privacy; keep a good distance from private houses and never glance or photograph through private windows

Ask before you photograph – a hesitation means no

Buy local souvenirs and products – look for CITES

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― Cultural interaction

Tourism can be a great way of learning about, promoting and creating tolerance between people with different backgrounds and cultures

Do not judge other cultures based on own sense of reality, norms and values

Cultures are different

Do not expect to find everything as it is at home – you have left home to find things different

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Visitors guidelines― Cultural understanding

Biosecurity guidelines― New biosecurity guidelines

AECO General Presentation 2014

HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012

Ilja Leo Lang

More InformationAECO web site: www.aeco.no

We wish you a safe, environmentally-friendly, respectful and unforgettable Arctic experience.

Thank you for helping us!

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Thank you